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Article . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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Preprint . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Preprint . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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Decoding the Gender Gap: Addressing Gender Stereotypes and Psychological Barriers to Empower Women in Technology

Authors: Harehdasht, Zahra Fakoor; Saki, Raziyeh;

Decoding the Gender Gap: Addressing Gender Stereotypes and Psychological Barriers to Empower Women in Technology

Abstract

Recently, the unequal presence of women compared to men in technology has attracted the attention of researchers and practitioners across multiple fields. It is time to regard this problem as a global crisis that not only limits access to talent but also reduces the diversity of perspectives that shape technological innovation. This article examines the psychological and social barriers that influence this gap, as well as the interventions designed to reduce it. Using a structured review, the findings assemble evidence on the role of early gender stereotypes in the family and school and the continuation of this crisis in educational and career choices, through to the psychological challenges women face in professional settings, such as feelings of self-undervaluation, occupational anxiety, a heightened fear of technology, and structural limitations in educational environments. Special attention is paid to Germany, where the technology gap is particularly evident and where multiple national programs have been implemented to address it. The present review shows that effective solutions require more than anti-discrimination policies: they should include educational practices, organizational reforms, mentoring, and psychological support. The article concludes by outlining practical and research implications and introduces the NEURON project as a pilot interdisciplinary initiative aimed at accelerating current empowerment efforts and developing new programs for women in technology occupations.

Keywords

Human-Computer Interaction, FOS: Computer and information sciences, Gender stereotypes, Technology, Women in technology, Computers and Society (cs.CY), Empowerment, Gender gap, STEM, Computers and Society, Psychological barriers, Technophobia, Human-Computer Interaction (cs.HC)

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
Green